September 9, 2015

Products I Can't Live Without

Although I love to switch up my makeup daily, there are always those products that I find myself reaching for more often than the others. I love trying new things and experimenting, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't have my tried and true favourites! Without further ado, here are the products I can't live without.

1. Georgio Armani "Eyes To Kill" Mascara - $37

I thoroughly enjoy splurging on beauty products, but in all honesty, mascara is not usually something I splurge on. This is due to the fact that I always seem to go back to my Covergirl Lashblast (in the large orange tube) no matter how much I spent on a different tube. But then, Eyes to Kill came along and changed everything. This is an extremely volumizing mascara, but not so much that it makes your lashes clump together. I have average length lashes, so I am normally skipping over the lengthening mascaras and searching for the volumizing ones. I discovered this through MakeupByTiffanyD on YouTube, and since then I trust every one of her recommendations. If you are also a fan of the Covergirl Lashblast and are looking for that extra bump in the mascara department, you must give this a try!

2. Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer - $34

I received a sample of this from an order I made online from Sephora, and it sat in my makeup storage for months before I tried it. I remember reaching for it on a lazy day because I didn't want to waste my "good" makeup on a day where I didn't care what it looked like. Little did I know, I would end up LOVING this foundation the minute I applied it. When you screw off the top of the bottle, it opens up to an attached sponge applicator. I personally am not a fan of these, so I use the applicator to place the product on the back of my hand then apply it to my face with a Beauty Blender. This foundation is definitely full coverage, even though Clinique described it as "light". I love this for days where I know I'll be busy all day, because I know it won't budge or fade. Because of it's full coverage nature, you only need a small amount to complete your entire face. I especially love this foundation because of it's neutral undertone. I find it is difficult to find ones that don't pull too pink or yellow on me. This product most definitely surprised me, and is very underrated in my eyes!

3. Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade - $23

This is a smude-proof, waterproof pomade that serves as an all in one brow product. I used to just use a pencil to fill in the sparse areas of my brows, but I have since been converted to this. On my left eyebrow, I have two large scars that I always fill in. The pencil I used to use would fade after a few hours, defeating the purpose of trying to cover it in the first place. I would've been better off just leaving it! Now, my brow game is back. You can swim, sweat, sleep... it won't move. Another aspect I love about this is the shade. I love how all of Anastasia's brow products have an ash tone to them -- it makes the product look so much more natural than other warm toned brow products I have witnessed. I use Anastasia's #12 brush to apply this, as it was recommended by the girls at Sephora. They have a large shade range, so there is sure to be one to match everyone!

4. MAC Pro Sculpting Cream in Accentuate - $27

Before I go off an a tangent saying how amazing this product is, I will warn you, it was limited edition and isn't available in store or online at this moment.. I know, heartbreaking. BUT, MAC often repromotes products so there is still a strong possibility this this will come back. This cream based product is what I use if I want a very strong highlighted look under my eyes and on my cheekbones. If we're being completely honest, I call it my Kim Kardashian cream. Yep, ask my friends, this is true. This has a very bright white color with a pink undertone that can be sheered out for a more natural look, although I can be guilty of going a tad overboard in the highlighting department -- to each their own, I suppose! Ill apply this on top of my foundation with my ring finger, and set it with a translucent powder to ensure it won't slide around. I've had this for almost two years now, and I'm just starting to see the bottom of the pan. Just goes to show that a little goes a long way.

5. MAC Pro Longwear Concealer - $25

MAC describes this as a lightweight, fluid concealer that provides medium to full coverage with a comfortable, matte finish. On me, this concealer will last all day without budging, which is a quality I appreciate. I will sometimes use this on my under eye area, but will more often use it for blemishes. When I first bought a bottle, I was a little taken back by how small it was. I didn't think it would last very long but was proven wrong after having this bottle for over a year, and using it every day, too! I love how pigmented this is, and how you only need a very small amount to do the job.

6. MAC Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul - $32

This lightweight, sheer blush adds a very warm, peachy glow to the skin and can also double up as a soft bronzer. A quality I appreciate about this is how it is extremely easy to blend, which is characteristic of their entire line of Mineralize products. This blush will pair well with any skin tone, as it isn't too dark or too light -- I love it in the Summer when I am a lot darker, and equally love it in the Winter when I have less colour to my skin. It's subtle shimmer gives a beautiful sheen without showing up too glittery. I wear this almost everyday, as it compliments any makeup look. This is a blush I recommend to anyone, and is a perfect starter for those of you who don't wear makeup very often.

7. Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit - $52

It seems like every makeup brand is coming out with their own version of a contour kit these days, but this one right here is the original pioneer. The OG, if you will. This palette comes with three shades -- three for highlighting, and three for contouring. The three highlighting shades are Vanilla, Banana, and Sand, and the contouring shades are Java, Fawn, and Havana. This formula is very blendable and will last the entire day. My favourite highlighting shade in the set is Banana. It is a soft yellow that adds brightness to the face, making you look more awake and refreshed. I also love setting my under-eye area with this. A perk about this palette is that the individual pans pop out, allowing you to just repurchase single shades -- this is perfect if you are someone who runs through certain ones faster than others. This palette is available to purchase at Sephora, but the refills must be purchased through Anastasia.com. I have tried Kat Von D's version, one by MAKEPFOREVER, and one by Australis; this one still takes the cake by a landslide.

8. Christian Dior Creme de Rose Lip Balm -$33

Creme de Rose is a lip balm that smoothes, re-plumps, and hydrates your lips for hours. I know it seems crazy to spend $33 on a lip balm, but I have truly never tried anything like it. It has an extremely luxurious feel and a light rose scent that lingers. As you can tell by the pictures above, this lip balm is very well-loved. It is scratched, cracked on the side, and still has sand in the small crevices on the lid from a trip to the beach. If that doesn't tell you how much I love it, then I don't know what will! I have tried Rosebud Salve from Sephora which is similar, but this has a thicker texture and leaves my lips feeling much more hydrated. This really is one of my favourite lip products of all time!

Thank you all for taking the time to read today, and please let me know some of your all time favourite beauty products. I'm always up to try something new!

Brittany x

September 2, 2015

OOTD: Casual Lace

by Brittany Lauren

Last week, my boyfriend and I decided to have a spur of the moment date night. I always love a good excuse to put on a nice outfit, not that anyone needs an excuse! We went walking down broadway, had a picnic in Rotary Park, and painted a massive rock down by the river. Paint a rock you ask? I know, sounds a little odd. But its actually a really cool spot in Saskatoon where a lot of people go to get creative -- there are barely any non-painted rocks! If you're ever in Saskatoon, I would highly recommend it, as it it something different to try.

Now for the outfit details:

Top: Wilfred Free Burnette Tank in Black, Aritzia
Skirt: ONLY Lace Knee Skirt, Tonic
Flannel: Wilfred Free (name unknown), Aritzia
Shoes: Nike Air Max Thea Joli's, The Bay Online
Purse: MARC by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Flap Percy bag, Era Style Loft
Lipstick: Whirl by MAC
Hat: Decker Hat, Aritzia

And now, for the cheesy picture.

I hope you are all having a wonderful week and that you are finding reasons to put on your "Sunday Best", too!

Brittany x

August 30, 2015

Top 10 MAC Lipsticks

by Brittany Lauren in Beauty

It goes without question that MAC has some serious talent in the lipstick department. When walking into my local MAC counter, I become immediately mesmerized by the lipstick display, complete with every shade you could possibly imagine. Even for a seasoned shopper such as myself, staring at this display can quickly become overwhelming and make you completely forget the reason you came to the store in the first place. Red lipstick isn't just red lipstick anymore. It's red with blue undertones, red with shimmer, brick red, vampy red, red with warm undertones.. you get the picture.

For me, I often turn to blogs and youtube videos to find the best of the best. This post will feature my most loved, used, and abused MAC lipsticks. But first, a little product info:

All MAC lipsticks have a light vanilla scent, which I happen to love. But, I know there are people out there who dread having any sort of scent on their face. If that's you, these might not be your favourite. However I will say that the scent is light enough that even those who dislike most scents, will most likely enjoy these. All MAC lipsticks are priced at $20 CDN, and come in a variety of shades and finishes. There are a total of seven different finishes, one of which you will see listed at the bottom of each tube:

Amplified: cream finish with high-pigment colour
Cremesheen: high-shine finish
Frost: shimmer finish
Lustre: semi-gloss finish
Matte: matte finish (obvi)
Retro Matte: VERY matte finish
Satin: semi-matte finish

My favourites are the Matte and Satin finishes! But now for the fun part, let's talk about my top 10 holy grail shades.

1. HONEYLOVE

Honeylove is part of MAC's permanent range. It is a light beige shade with rose undertones, and has a matte finish. As you can see from the picture, Honeylove is one of my all time favourites. I had always been on the hunt for the perfect nude lip, and when I found this, I was in heaven. It isn't too cool or too warm, making it easy to wear on virtually any skin tone. It also isn't too light. No girl likes to look like they are wearing foundation on their lips.. Eek! If you've ever seen me in pictures with a nude lip, it was probably this one.

2. VELVET TEDDY

If you are a fan of the dark nude "Kylie Jenner Lip", this is the perfect shade for you. I actually went to my MAC counter and asked for just that. A shade that was similar to what Kylie Jenner had been wearing, and I must say, she nailed it! Velvet Teddy is a deep beige shade with a matte finish that leans a little on the warmer side. If I am wanting a nude lip with a little bit of a darker edge, this is what I'll grab. I do think that Honeylove and Velvet Teddy have their similarities, so I swatched them below to tell the difference! You can see that Velvet Teddy is just a tad darker.

* If you are wanting extra definition and more of an edge, try Velvet Teddy with Whirl liner underneath - amazing.

3. VIVA GLAM V

Viva Glam lipsticks are part of a special permanent collection in MAC stores. Every cent from each lipstick sold is donated to the MAC AIDS fund; a charity dedicated in funding AIDS research. It feels good knowing that you are supporting a great cause with the purchase of these lipsticks. Viva Glam V is a sheer neutral pink shade with a lustre finish. This is a great lipstick to keep in your purse on the go, as it will match any makeup look. This shade brings out your natural lip colour while adding that extra something; the perfect "my lips, but better" lipstick. I like how it is sheer, and adds just a subtle hint of colour.

4. SPIRIT

Spirit is one of my favourite shades to wear at night when I'm not feeling anything bright. It is a darkened beige-brown with a satin finish. Instead of the classic dark red lip for Fall and Winter, I find myself gravitating to this more often than not. Because of its neutral undertone, it compliments all skin tones. It is comfortable, long wearing, and fades nicely without gathering in the corners. A brown lipstick may seem odd or scary to try, but I highly encourage it as you just might surprise yourself!

5. AMOROUS

Amorous is a cool-toned plum shade with a satin finish. I love this shade as it is dark without being harsh, making it appropriate for daytime wear. The texture of this satin finish lipstick is quite smooth upon application, but not so smooth that it migrates around my lips. Every time I wear this, someone is sure to ask what lipstick I'm wearing. When I say it's Amorous, people are usually surprised as it isn't a very popular shade! If you are looking for something that makes a strong impact without being too harsh, give Amorous a try.

6. LADY DANGER

If "regular red" isn't cutting it for you, this is your colour. Lady Danger is a very bright tangerine red with a matte finish. I first saw this shade worn on a girl last summer when I was in Montana for a vacation, and had to literally run down the street after she passed me to ask what was on her lips - it looked amazing on her. I must say, it looked rather intimidating and I had second thoughts about it as the associate showed it to me at my local MAC store. But after some convincing, I decided to buy it anyway. I didn't regret that decision for a second, as this quickly became one of my most worn lipsticks. Its texture is a little more dry than the other matte lipsticks I own, but with that comes great staying power. If you're looking for a fierce new colour that makes a statement, start the car. Lady Danger is waiting.

7. HEROINE

Heroine is not for the faint of heart. It is an electric cool-toned purple with a matte finish. It applies very smooth and is highly pigmented. I bought this one because I kept seeing it everywhere online, and eventually caved. When this shade fist came out, it was limited edition, an became part of MAC's permanent range in 2014. This is one of those lipsticks that automatically puts you in a good mood when applying it -- its just THAT fun. I love to wear this on days when I keep my makeup very neutral and light and want to put all the focus on my lips. Because of the fact that it is so cool-toned, it even makes your teeth appear whiter. BONUS!

8. GIRL ABOUT TOWN

This is my very first MAC lipstick I ever purchased, so naturally, it holds a special place in my heart. Girl About Town is a bright cool-toned fuchsia with an amplified finish. It is a true Barbie pink that is fun and eye-catching - perfect for a night out. It is comfortable to wear, applies easily, and lasts the distance. I always wonder how MAC comes up with names for their products, and "Girl About Town" certainly fuels that curiosity. I've seen this shade worn on all skin tones and hair colours, and I can honestly say it looks great on everyone.

9. REBEL

Rebel is another one of my earliest MAC purchases. The first thing that I'm going to point out about this product is, if you look at the lipstick in the tube and think it's too dark, don't fret. It goes on much lighter! I often use Beet liner under this to make it last even longer without smudging. Rebel is a deep berry shade with a satin finish, and is perfect for the girl who wants to try a dark lip but is maybe a little reluctant. It is a nice transition shade that can be sheered out for a lighter look, or built up for a bold berry lip.

10. TRIBALIST

Tribalist was released as a part of the Heirloom Mix collection last October. Even though it is a limited edition shade, it is still my go to when I want a dark vampy lip. It is a very dark red with an amplified finish that goes on very, very smooth. Out of all the amplified finishes that I own, this one is by far the smoothest and glossiest. If you are looking for something similar to this in MAC's permanent range, try Sin! I will be very sad when this tube comes to an end, as I won't be able to repurchase it due to it being limited edition. Here's to hoping MAC will repromote it in a future collection!

I hope this post was a fun read for all of you fellow MAC lovers, and I would love to know some of your favourites for me to try in the future!

Brittany x

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August 28, 2015

Best Places for Online Shopping

by Brittany Lauren in Fashion

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A good friend of mine recently suggested an idea for a new post - my favourite places to online shop! Being stuck in a city that doesn't exactly have the best shopping mall, many of us have to turn to the ol' internet in hopes of finding that perfect dress, or maybe just something new for the closet. After many years of experience, I can confidently say that I have a concrete list of my favourite online shops.

Below, I have my top 7 faves and some current pieces from each site that I have my eye on.

*All pictures are clickable :)

1. ASOS.COM

This site is one of my greatest online discoveries. It is based in the UK, but ships all over the world FOR FREE. Yep, free. Upon receiving your order, you do have to pay the typical duties at the door, which usually turns out to be about 12% of your order value. I have ordered from this site four times, and all were a success. The one thing I do suggest is to know your UK sizes, as most items on the site are sized this way. My favourite part of this site is something that I know all of you will appreciate. It has a "view it on the runway" option for nearly every item on their site. What this means is they will show a model wearing the piece down a runway so you can see every angle of it, how it hangs etc.. So smart, ASOS! This online site definitely gets two thumbs up from me.

2. ARITZIA.COM

You all saw this one coming, didn't you. You've seen their clothes all over my social media so I'm sure it's no surprise to see Aritzia on here as well - but for good reason! Aritzia is a Vancouver based company that has taken the country by storm. In the past, I have only been able to shop at their Edmonton and Calgary locations given the fact that Saskatoon doesn't have a store (...yet), but within the last year or two, they launched their online store! This has been both a blessing and a curse for all my fellow Aritzia-lovers. If you spend over $150, you get free shipping. There are no duties at the door because your order is staying in Canada, which is another score. Although some of their pieces are on the pricier side, don't fret! They have some killer sales between seasons, so be sure to take advantage while you can.

3. SABOSKIRT.COM

Saboskirt is an Australian based company filled with fun and flirty pieces. I first discovered them through Instragram, and since then they have collected over 1.2 million followers - pretty impressive! As far as shipping to Canada goes, Saboskirt charges a $10 flat rate. If you spend $150 or more, those charges are voided. There are still duties you pay at the door as there are with any site outside of Canada. My orders usually take around two weeks to arrive, which isn't too bad considering they are coming form Australia. This site is filled with unique pieces, and just recently launched their formal line of dresses as well.

4. TOBI.COM

Tobi has been a long time favourite of mine, but it wasn't until this past year that I made my first order. If you "like" their Facebook page, they give you 50% off your first order - that's quite the deal! Their clothes are all priced in USD, so the price conversion to CAD will vary depending on how the dollar is doing, which for us lately, isn't that great. Nonetheless, Tobi still has tons of great clothing items for affordable prices. I only have experience in purchasing their dresses and tops, and both turned out wonderfully. I would say that their clothing does fit a tad on the smaller side, though. If you're debating between two sizes, definitely choose the size up! They also have a great selection of shoes, which I may have to try in the near future.

5. LULUS.COM

Lulus is a clothing and accessories shop that has you covered for literally EVERY occasion. They have elegant dresses that you could wear to a special event and simple tee's that you could wear to school. On top of that, they have an awesome shoe selection. They charge $12 for shipping to Canada, unless you spend over $150, in which case shipping would be free. My orders usually take just under three weeks to arrive, but there was one occasion that it arrived in ten days. Duties, again, are calculated based on the original price of your order. So, the more you spend, the more you pay unfortunately. Everything that I ordered fit true to size as well!

6. BEYONDTHERACK.COM

In my opinion, this is the most exciting site to shop from! Beyond the rack features flash sales - what this means is that certain brands are featured on the site daily, and each sale lasts for about three days. Once those three days are up, you can no longer purchase from that sale. When you add an item to your cart, you have 20 minutes to decide if you want to buy it or not, because after that time is up it is put back into the sale for someone else to snatch up. I have seen just about everything being sold on here. Salon hair products, designer bags, bedding, kitchenware.. everything! Above are four pictures of sales going on as we speak -- some pretty awesome ones if I do say so myself. Shipping is calculated based on the weight and size of your package, and there are no duties to pay at the door which is great. This is one that I highly recommend, as there is something for everyone on here.

7. NORDSTROM.COM

Herschel Heritage Backpack - $46 (REG $77)

Kate Spade 'Cobble Hill' Crossbody - $166 (REG $247)

Vince Camuto 'Leigh' Bag - $190 (REG $316)

MARC by Marc Jacobs 'The Slim' Watch - $166 (REG $278)

Nordstrom is my favourite website to scope out sales, especially on accessories. They carry a lot of things that most of us can probably find in The Bay or Sears, but they carry a number of designers that we don't have, so I try to look for those when I'm on Nordstrom. When ordering on here, shipping and duties are calculated when you checkout so you won't be responsible for extra fees at the door. Their customer service line is also very helpful, as I have had many questions during past orders. Above, I pictured four deals that caught my eye!

I hope this post will help those of you who enjoy online shopping as much as I do. Feel free to comment with any questions you may have about any of the sites, and i'll try my best to answer. Best of luck!

Brittany x

August 27, 2015

Fab Finds: Trendy Fall Sweaters Under $50

by Brittany Lauren

The colder months are approaching, as we all know. What better way to ring in the fall than with some new potential sweaters to fill your fall wardrobe! These finds are trendy, and affordable - two things that every girl loves to hear.

1. Relaxed Cowl Neck Wrap Sweater - Romwe.com

This wrap sweater is sure to make a statement this Fall. Its thick wool texture is something I personally love, while some might find it overly itchy - beauty is pain ladies, am I right or am I right? It features a cowl neck with a silver clasp closure just below the shoulder. Its affordable price tag makes this a top contender in my potential purchases, however, this item is one size fits all. I am quite tall, so I'm not sure if the length of the body and arms will be long enough for me. For all of you ladies who are of "normal" height, this piece may be perfect for you!

2. Off the Shoulder Crop Knit Sweater - SheInside.com

What immediately caught my eye about this piece is the deep V neckline - this would flatter any body type. I love how it is structured, yet gives a very effortless appearance. This sweater could be easily dressed up or down, making it a piece that would get a lot of wear in your Fall wardrobe. It is also available in black, which I initially wanted to choose, but I think this light grey colour would pair well with most tones in my wardrobe. If you're looking for a sweater that you could get lots of use out of, and something that is a little different than the norm, this one is for you!

3. Sleeveless Turtleneck - hm.com

If you follow me on any social media, you know that I am a sucker for turtlenecks. I love how a simple change in neckline can give that extra edge to an outfit. This piece is something that I know I would get a ton of use out of. I like wearing sleeveless knits like this out to dinner, or somewhere that I will be inside. It is nice to be able to wear something season appropriate, that I won't sweat in while being inside! For $13, this is one of the best deals that I came across in my search for affordable Autumn pieces.

4. Cotton Blend Sweater - hm.com

What immediately caught my eye about this sweater was the colour - a sharp mustard yellow. This tone would flatter almost any skin tone, but I think it would look exceptionally stunning on beautiful brunettes. This sweater features a fine knit texture with ribbing at the cuffs. It also showcases zig zag stitching down the length of the sweater, as pictured above. This jewel toned piece will be sure to add a pop of colour to any girl's fall wardrobe.

5. Chunky Cable Knit Sweater - Chicwish.com

This blush coloured beauty is the perfect fall sweater for the "girly girl." It features a roll neck along with a slightly dropped shoulder. I like how it is slightly cropped in length, allowing it to be worn with high waisted denim or even a pencil skirt. I don't usually lean toward pastel colours, but this piece still managed to catch my eye. I immediately pictured wearing this with some light distressed denim and a fur vest -- you know it's a good find when you're already picturing how to style it!

6. Hair Knit Sweater - Vero Moda

This one is my definite favourite of the six. Give me a black long sleeve sweater with a unique texture, and I'm sold. This sweater is a definite statement piece for this season, and features a contrasting knit stripe with a wide round neckline. The options are endless on how to style this, but my initial thought was a pair of white distressed jeans and a silver statement necklace. For all my fellow monochromatic lovers, this one is for you.

Thank you for reading along with me today! May the odds be ever in your favour during your search for fab fall finds.

Brittany x